Changes to Travel Regulations in Effect
By Rick Ward, USAREC
Nov. 7, 2014
Researching travel regulations is easier; the Joint Federal Travel Regulations, Vol. 1, and the Joint Travel Regulations, Vol. 2 have been consolidated into the Joint Travel Regulations, reducing redundant information and number of pages.
The $5 allotment for miscellaneous and incidental expenses can now also be used to cover ATM fees, laundry and dry cleaning, and baggage and transportation tips, in addition to restaurant tips, toiletry items, candy bars or other small items.
The most significant change is the reduction of per diem entitlements for long-term TDY of more than 30 days in one location.
The reduction rate for long-term TDY should have little effect on USAREC, since most of the command’s TDYs are shorter than 30 days.
By Rick Ward, USAREC
Nov. 7, 2014
Researching travel regulations is easier; the Joint Federal Travel Regulations, Vol. 1, and the Joint Travel Regulations, Vol. 2 have been consolidated into the Joint Travel Regulations, reducing redundant information and number of pages.
The $5 allotment for miscellaneous and incidental expenses can now also be used to cover ATM fees, laundry and dry cleaning, and baggage and transportation tips, in addition to restaurant tips, toiletry items, candy bars or other small items.
The most significant change is the reduction of per diem entitlements for long-term TDY of more than 30 days in one location.
- Long-term TDY for a duration of 31-180 days at a single location will be reimbursed at a flat rate of 75 percent of the locality rate (rounded up to the next highest dollar).
- Long-term TDY for a duration of 181 days or more at a single location will be reimbursed at a flat rate of 55 percent of the locality rate (rounded up to the next highest dollar).
- If a traveler is unable to arrange suitable commercial lodging on his own, the CTO should be contacted for assistance. If the CTO determines that lodging is not available at the reduced per diem rate, the AO may authorize actual lodging, not to exceed the locality per diem rate, in accordance with par. 4130 and 4155, but the M&IE is paid at the 75 percent or 55 percent rate.
The reduction rate for long-term TDY should have little effect on USAREC, since most of the command’s TDYs are shorter than 30 days.